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An Exegetical Analysis of δια τουτο in John 7:22
This exegetical study of An Exegetical Analysis of δια τουτο in John 7:22 is based on a b-greek discussion from Thu Nov 2 09:20:19 2006. The initial query concerned the precise verse division between John 7:21 and 7:22, specifically whether the phrase δια τουτο (‘for this reason’) should conclude verse 21, modifying the preceding verb θαυμαζετε (‘you marvel’), or initiate verse 22, introducing the subsequent statement about Mosaic circumcision.
The central exegetical problem revolves around the syntactic function and semantic scope of the Greek phrase δια τουτο in John 7:22. Its traditional placement at the beginning of verse 22 in most critical editions suggests it introduces the reason for Moses giving circumcision, which appears contextually problematic in some interpretations. Alternatively, if it concludes verse 21, it would provide the reason for the audience’s marveling at Jesus’s single work on the Sabbath. This ambiguity necessitates a thorough grammatical, lexical, and discourse-level analysis to determine the most coherent interpretation within John’s theological framework.
John 7:21b-22 (Nestle 1904):
ἓν ἔργον ἐποίησα καὶ πάντες θαυμάζετε. Διὰ τοῦτο Μωϋσῆς δέδωκεν ὑμῖν τὴν περιτομήν— οὐχ ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ Μωϋσέως ἐστὶν ἀλλ’ ἐκ τῶν πατέρων— καὶ ἐν σαββάτῳ περιτέμνετε ἄνθρωπον.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- No significant textual variants concerning the phrase δια τουτο are found between the Nestle (1904) text and the SBLGNT (2010) in John 7:21-22. Both editions place δια τουτο at the beginning of verse 22. The interpretive challenge thus lies in punctuation and contextual understanding rather than manuscript variation.
Textual Criticism (NA28), Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG):
The Nestle-Aland 28th edition (NA28) concurs with the Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT in placing δια τουτο at the commencement of John 7:22. The discussion surrounding this passage does not involve manuscript variants for the phrase itself, but rather its grammatical connection and contextual reference. Lexically, δια τουτο, a combination of the preposition δια with the accusative of the demonstrative pronoun τουτο, typically signifies “for this reason” or “therefore.” BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich Lexicon) defines it as indicating a logical connector for cause or reason. However, the discussion points out that BDAG offers limited guidance on its discourse-level functions, particularly when it operates as a loose connector or has a non-standard placement. While Kittel (TDNT) provides extensive treatment of δια, the specific interpretive challenge here centers on the precise antecedent and scope of τουτο, a demonstrative pronoun that can refer to something previously mentioned or subsequently introduced.
Translation Variants
Initial interpretations of δια τουτο in John 7:22 frequently debate its syntactic function as either concluding verse 21 or initiating verse 22. One perspective argues for its placement at the end of verse 21, interpreting it as explaining the audience’s marvel (**θαυμαζετε**) at Jesus’s work, essentially meaning “shocked by it.” This approach is notably supported by the Translator’s New Testament (1973), which adopts this punctuation to avoid an unnatural implication that Moses instituted circumcision so the Sabbath would be broken. However, a common counter-argument notes that δια τουτο overwhelmingly appears at the beginning of a clause in the Greek New Testament (GNT), functioning as a strong logical connector meaning “for this reason.”
A comprehensive discourse analysis identifies three primary usages for δια τουτο in the GNT: (1) a logical connector where a preceding clause (A) provides the reason for a following clause (B), which accounts for approximately half of its occurrences; (2) a cataphoric usage where the reason for an assertion (A) is given later, often introduced by οτι, frequently observed in John’s writings; and (3) a discourse connector introducing a new, important thought loosely based on the preceding paragraph’s theme, which is described as having no direct English equivalent and is rare in John’s Gospel.
Applying these categories to John 7:22, the analysis suggests that none of the conventional uses fit seamlessly. The idea that Jesus’s “one work” (v. 21) serves as the reason for Moses giving circumcision (v. 22) via a standard logical connector appears contextually improbable. Consequently, an alternative analysis proposes that δια τουτο functions as a simple prepositional phrase within verse 21, with τουτο referring anaphorically to Jesus’s “work” (**εργον**) or the entire event of the Sabbath healing. This interpretation suggests the phrase “and you all marvel because of this (deed),” placing emphasis on the audience’s surprise rather than the reason itself. While the placement of δια τουτο at the very end of a sentence is uncommon, other δια + accusative phrases indicating reason are frequently found in clause-final positions in John’s Gospel (e.g., John 4:41; 6:57; 7:13; 10:19; 11:15; 12:9; 12:30). Grammatically, a demonstrative pronoun like τουτο in a final, non-emphatic position after its head noun or when used substantively as a back-reference is acceptable. This reading further aligns with Jesus’s subsequent argument, where he explains why their marveling is unwarranted, drawing a parallel to their own practice of circumcision on the Sabbath, which itself often necessitated work on that day.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The exegetical analysis of δια τουτο in John 7:22 reveals a complex interplay of grammatical convention, contextual coherence, and rhetorical intent. While traditionally positioned at the beginning of verse 22, this placement often leads to a syntactically awkward or theologically problematic reading when interpreted as a logical connector for the following clause. A more plausible interpretation, supported by discourse analysis and contextual flow, suggests that δια τουτο functions anaphorically within verse 21, referring to Jesus’s healing on the Sabbath, thus explaining the audience’s astonishment. This reading allows Jesus to then challenge their perceived hypocrisy or inconsistency regarding Sabbath observance effectively.
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I performed one work, and you all marvel because of this. Moses gave you circumcision…
This translation integrates δια τουτο into verse 21, clarifying that the audience’s astonishment is directed at Jesus’s single deed, setting up his subsequent argument. The demonstrative refers backward to the “one work.”
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I did one act, and you are all surprised by it. Moses gave you circumcision…
Similar to the first, this option emphasizes the object of surprise, using “by it” to reflect the causal relationship between Jesus’s act and the audience’s reaction, allowing for a natural transition to Jesus’s counter-argument.
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I have done one thing, and for that, you all marvel. Moses gave you the rite of circumcision…
This rendering maintains δια τουτο at the end of verse 21, retaining its literal sense of “for that reason,” while subtly shifting the emphasis to the audience’s marvel. It respects the potential for phrase-final positioning of the demonstrative pronoun in such contexts, especially when not emphatic.
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